"We in OSSTF/FEESO understand how absolutely critical the role of support staff is when it comes to ensuring the success of students in Ontario's schools," said Elliott, "and it's simply not acceptable that those members are now entering into their second straight school year without a new collective agreement."

OSSTF/FEESO will be returning to central support staff bargaining with the government and the Council of Trustees, representing Ontario's school boards, on September 23, 24 and 25.

"We have three days of bargaining scheduled later this month, and we'll be looking for significant progress. We'll be walking into those sessions with a strong strike mandate in hand, and a clear determination to arrive at a fair, negotiated deal," concluded Elliott.

OSSTF/FEESO, founded in 1919, has 60,000 members across Ontario. They include public high school teachers, occasional teachers, educational assistants, continuing education teachers and instructors, early childhood educators, psychologists, secretaries, speech-language pathologists, social workers, plant support personnel, university support staff, and many others in education.